Sunrise over Acadia National Park from Cadillac Mountain summit

Cadillac Mountain Sunrise

Bar Harbor, Maine Coast

AdventureNature OutdoorsRomanticPhotography
Would you do this?
Duration3 hrs
EffortEasy
BudgetBudget
PriceUSD 41
StyleSelf-Guided
Open0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Best monthsOct, Sep, Nov, Jan, Feb
StatusMust-See

About This Activity

From October through early March, Cadillac Mountain is the first place in the continental United States to see sunrise — a fact that draws visitors year-round. Drive or hike to the 1,530-foot summit for 360-degree views over Frenchman Bay, the Porcupine Islands, and the Atlantic. A vehicle reservation through Recreation.gov (~$6) is required May through October in addition to the $35 park entrance pass. Without a reservation, hike up the South Ridge Trail (4-mile round-trip) — no reservation needed for hikers.

Seasonal note: Year-round; first U.S. sunrise Oct-Mar; vehicle reservations required May-Oct via Recreation.gov; fall foliage (Sept-Oct) spectacular

Compare with Alternatives

See how Cadillac Mountain Sunrise stacks up against other must-see activities nearby.

See This in an Itinerary

This activity appears in 3 of our curated itineraries.

More Activities in Bar Harbor